The Department of Transportation’s mission is to keep people and business moving by operating
and improving the state’s transportation systems vital to its taxpayers and communities. The
Department’s key business processes include:
• Planning, designing and contracting for the construction of state and federal highway
systems and related infrastructure.
• Maintaining, preserving and managing the capital assets that comprise the state-owned
transportation system.
• Building and operating the ferry system.
• Promoting private and public investment in and operation of state-owned and
state-interest transportation systems.
The Department is financed by revenue from the state gas tax, licenses, permits and fees, ferry
fares and concessions, federal reimbursements and bond proceeds. The Department employs
approximately 7,250 people and has an annual budget of approximately $1.9 billion.
The Secretary of Transportation is appointed by the Governor and is the executive for the
Department. The Department is organized into the executive branch, seven regional
organizations and 10 divisions.
The Washington State Transportation Commission is an independent state agency of seven
citizen members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Commission
exercises responsibilities in preparing the state's transportation plan, proposing the state's
transportation investment plan and working with the Governor, the state Legislature, the
Secretary of Transportation and others across the state in formulating transportation policy. The
Commission also oversees transportation policy and the operational plans for highways, ferries
and intercity passenger rail.
The above information is from the State Auditors (Audit Report Search) webpage